How on earth did a whole month go by without me creating a new playlist? Sheesh! You know how it is—Thanksgiving shows up out of nowhere and the next thing you know there are gifts to buy, breads to bake and multiple holiday cards to send. It’s a wonder I was able to sneak one in this past week but I did just that (patting herself on the back.)

Let me know what you think of it and remember—I need song suggestions, always. So be sure to post them in the comments below!

Thanks!

Gone:JR JR

The band’s PR rep got in touch with me via my work for Fit Bottomed Girls where I am compiling a peppy/upbeat playlist to post sometime in January.

Those of you who actually know me would not exactly call me “peppy” (spastic, yes but not peppy.) However, this song just got under my skin and I decided to use it in classes this past weekend and everyone loved it. So there you go!

Welcome to Paradise: Green Day

For every class I teach I make sure the “second” song is a butt kicker to get everyone in gear and to really get their collective heartrates up. This song might just be a wee bit too fast but, so what? It works!

Mass Romantic:The New Pornographers

One of my favorite Canadian bands really cooks with this playful tune that has a jangly sound. (I like me some jangle!)

Adventure of a Lifetime:Coldplay

I know there are Coldplay haters that exist in the world but I don’t give a rat’s butt about any of them. They know how to craft music that will make you want to move and bop your head to the beat. #teamchrismartin

Lose Yourself:Eminem

True story—the gym’s stereo broke over this past weekend and I had to use a little boom box in a big room to teach my classes. That in and of itself was bad enough, but having to play this amazing song by Eminem with a low volume almost killed me! You need volume to really raise the roof with this one. (Truth)

The Wolf:Mumford & Sons

Thee is nary a banjo in this one from the British band that really rocks it out here.

2 Heads:Coleman Hell

Another Canadian (Thunder Bay, Ontario!) on my list and this one DOES indeed use a banjo with amazing results on his song here.

Can’t feel My Face:The Weeknd

ANOTHER Canadian (Toronto!) and this is his biggest hit in the U.S. so far. Just try to listen and move to the beat—it’s impossible!

Price Tag: Jessie J

I love this song because it mixes unbridled optimism with a fun /not-posh British accent.

Cannibal:Silversun Pickups

The Silversun Pickups write songs that are so hard charging and excellent that they are virtually all perfect for high speed sprints and intervals.

Please Don’t Leave Me:P!nk

Alecia Moore (P!nk’s real name!) writes some of the sweetest ear candy in the whole world and this romantic song always gets to me.

Time to Pretend: MGMT

Whatever happened to this band? Does anyone know?

Song for Someone:U2

Some people groused about getting a whole free album downloaded (for free!) into their iTunes accounts by one of the biggest bands of all time. (First world problems, people!) I on the other hand think it’s one of their best efforts and this song in particular is beautiful.

Today’s playlist was inspired after watching The Big Lebowski for the first time in many years and noticing that there is a super, fantastic version of Hotel California by The Gypsy Kings on the soundtrack. From there I went looking through my “favorites” list to mix in some old and new tunes to create a 50-minute interval playlist that I hope offers some fun & inspiration for your next workout.

Hotel California: The Gypsy Kings

A major plot point to The Big Lebowski is “The Dude’s” absolute hatred for all music from The Eagles so it always fun to hear when The Gypsy Kings version of their biggest hit pops up on the soundtrack. I love using this as a warm-up song as it has such a fun buildup.

Use It: The New Pornographers

I love this Canadian band and this tune in particular gives me “the happies.”

California Love: 2Pac

Can you believe this tune is 20 years old?! When it first came out I had just moved to NYC from Northern California and it made me miss my old home. The beat still kicks serious butt!

Every Teardrop is a Waterfall: Coldplay

Some people are divided on whether or not Coldplay is a decent band but I love their melodies and think that Chris Martin writes some of the catchiest lyrics in the business.

Criminal: Fiona Apple

OMG—I just loved this album back in the day and this song in particular sounds just as amazing now as it did in the 90s.

E-Pro:Beck

Beck is yet another 90s act who gets better and better with each effort. This is one of my favorites by him.

Locked Out of Heaven: Bruno Mars

What can I say about Bruno Mars except that he is so damn likeable and his music is just TOO much fun!!

Keep The Car Running: Arcade Fire

This is one of my “top 5” songs to perform sprints to and love watching my students facing when they peddle their butts off.

Black Gold:Soul Asylum

Wow—there is a ton of 90s on the playlist today? Not intentional but as I said before—these are some of my favorite tunes to use for workouts.

Starships:Nicki Minaj

I know she is not to everyone’s taste but I think Nicki Minaj is just so damn enjoyable and if you can find her on Instagram—follow right away!

Time to Pretend:MGMT

This is one of those bands that released an amazing first record and then “poof” they disappear. Time to Pretend is the standout song.

Moves Like Jagger:Maroon 5

Maroon 5’sAdam Levine has such a distinctive voice and uses it so well here—“I’ve got the mooooooooooves like Jagger!”

Weight of Love:The Black Keys

At first I thought this was some long lost Pink Floyd single which I mean as a compliment.

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

This playlist starts off with my new favorite song and features a few of my favorite stand-by tunes that get people motivated and keep them working. A few years ago an instructor I respected told me she never mixed “genres” of music in her classes as it is “too chaotic” and “jarring” for people.

This is NOT my attitude as I think that a class where every single music selection sounds exactly like the one before is the epitome of annoying. Give me different beats and voices and I am a happy camper. What are your thoughts on this? What kinds of music motivates YOU in class? I want to hear from you!

In the meantime—please enjoy this playlist I like to call the “Rather Be” ride.

Rather Be (featuring Jess Glynne): Clean Bandit

This is sweetest, most fun pop song in the world with the only thing marring it is the TERRIBLE name of the band. Clean Bandit? WTF? Not on board with that.

Hell:Teegan & Sarah

I consider this to be THE most perfect second or second to the last song in any workout. Listen and see if you can figure out why I make that assertion.

Elevation: U2

It’s been a while since the four lads from Dublin have been featured in my class and this tune in particular is one my absolute favorites from them. (Hope you are feeling better Bono!)

Youth Without Youth:Metric

Not exactly what this song is about but it has a great, steady build to it and I like using it to my class to add more energy to their movement.

Rebellion: Arcade Fire

This is the most perfect music to do a long and steady climb with that I think Arcade Fire wrote it just for that reason.

The best part of playing this song in class is watching my students bop their heads to the bass beat—priceless!

Dark Horse (featuring Juice J.):Katy Perry

For some reason I just did not connect with Dark Horse when it first came out but I love it now.

Music: Madonna

This is a fantastic “sprinting” tune and the video (while kind of skeevy) does feature Sasha Baron Cohen as Da Ali G so there you go.

Believe in Me:Sloan

My one chance to see Sloan here in Brooklyn I was sick as a dog and it still pisses me off.

Seven Nation Army:The White Stripes

My friend Jennifer is the #1 super fan of Jack White and has flown around the world (at her husband’s expense!) to see him play live. In short, she lives the bets life in the whole world.

The Rain:Missy Elliott

One of my most favorite songs about rain ever (and there are tons of them, people!)

Habits:Tove Lo

My only quibble with this tune is that it gets so freaking LOUD at times that I have to run across the room to the stereo and take it down to an appropriate level for a cool down. (Fix that Tove Lo producers!)

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

I can’t believe this year is finally heading out the window and could not be more grateful to see it go. Not sure what you all have been through in 2014 but I have dealt with health issues, family issues and all sorts of stressful things that have made me feel a little less buoyant than normal. However, I will not allow the past to interfere with my future pleasure so today I am just talking about the good stuff and getting ready for the fabulousness that will be 2015!

First I will do a little housekeeping on the latest BFC things, the Book Vs Movie podcast update, my fitness goals for 2015 and then my picks for the best workout songs of 2014. So let’s do it! (The Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog to return next Sunday with a fantastic New Year’s/New You Giveaway!)

Book Vs Movie Podcast: Margo Porras of She’s Nacho Mama’s Blog and I are working our butts off to get our new website off the ground plus we are using a fancy podcast service called “Libsyn” to get it out to y’all without all of the drama of our previous service which shall not be named. To get ready start reading Joe Klein’sPrimary Colors which was turned into a movie in 1998 and directed by Mike Nichols whom we sadly lost this past year. Read the book and/or watch the movie to prep and we will post the details on our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/bookvsmovie?ref=br_tf

Tria Hair Removal System: Still using my fabulous Tria hair removal system and am so far impressed with the results. There is less hair growing around the back of my ankles and the side of my face which is making me very happy. I am also using it on my upper lip and underarms and will offer a full review in a week or so.

CrossFit Goal for 2015: As you may know I am a “Fit Bottomed Girl” who contributes to fitbottomedgirls.com. The gals at FBG asked me (BFC) if I had any fitness goals I want to accomplish and the first thing that popped in my mind was the box jump. I am terrified of performing a box jump but know that if I can overcome my fear—it will make me feel like a rock star to land a good one just once. Coincidentally a new CrossFit gym opening in Brooklyn (the largest n the borough) called Crow Hill Cross Fit (http://www.crowhillcrossfit.com/) and they said if I want a real trainer to teach me to box jump—then they have me covered. So THAT is going to my first fitness goal to tackle this year. (Stay tuned for updates on this!)

The Crow Pose: My second fitness goal is to perform a crow pose. I am not sure how I will manage it but it has been the one pose in yoga that vexes me and I just want do it once to know how great it feels. And then, hopefully, do it many times after that. I will let you know what steps I am taking to make this happen. (Wish me luck!)

And now for something completely different—the Brooklyn Fit Chick Top Workout Songs of 2014!

I have been churning out a couple of playlist each month for the last few years and think I have it down to science at this point. Today I am featuring the songs that made me want to work harder and inspired my students to give a little extra effort during class. So here they are in particular order:

KONGOS/ “Come With Me Now”

Technically I am cheating here because this song came out in Africa in 2011 but they were only introduced in the U.S. this past year so I am putting this in the 2014 column. “Come With Me Now’ has a fantastic hard-driving beat and always made people’s heads bop along to the music.

Mark Ronson (featuring Bruno Mars)/ “Uptown Funk”

Come on—what better song came out this year? Everything about it says move your butt and have some fun. A funky, modern masterpiece that makes you want to sing along and dance with abandon.

Avicii/ “Wake Me Up”

Swedish hotboy Avicii knows how to put together a tune and this one is just about scientifically proven to be THE MOST PERFECT warm-up number for any kind of class you teach. Seriously—I am his biggest fan now.

Dear Rouge/ “I Heard I Had”

This band is from Vancouver and they are winning all sorts of radio contest in Canada. “I Heard I Had” is about as great as a “second” song for a playlist as it gets. Download it now!

OneRepublic/ “Love Runs Out”

A foot-stomping favorite in my classes that always gets people into the best mood.

Taylor Swift/ “Shake It Off”

I don’t care about her dating life nor will I hassle her because she claims to be a New Yorker now (as if!) but damn this woman knows how to write a song that cooks! “Shake it Off’ is just about as perfect of a pop confection as it gets. Brava Taylor!

John Legend/ “All of Me” (Tiesto’s Birthday Treatment)

This is another perfect song for a warm-up that puts people in a good mood. Sweet, romantic and dancy—what is not to like about it?

And the worst workout song for 2014——-“Fancy” by Iggy Azalia

Someone told me Iggy Azalia would be THE big deal this past summer so I started including this dreadful song in my classes. A tuneless,annoying piece of tripe that make me want to gauge my eyes out with my thumbs. My take on Iggy Aazalia? NO. Thank. You!

But if you must hear it for yourself…

That’s all I have for today folks. I am so looking forward to all of the media reviews, playlist, Vlogs, giveaways and gear reviews for the new year. Let’s bring on 2015!!!

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

Sometimes I look at an old playlist and it will feature a song or two that just don’t move me anymore. Know what I mean? In fact those now dreaded songs will drive me crazy enough to scrap said playlist from my iPod Classic and start over. (Why, oh why, did I not think to buy two of them last year? They go for almost $900 now!)

So today’s playlist is completely suck-free (IMHO) and it will get you good and sweaty when you hit the gym. You’re welcome!

Wake Me Up: Avicii

Normally I am not a big fan of “club” or “house” music but dammit if this Swedish dreamboat knows how to write the PERFECT warmup tunes. Try this one for yourself and tell me if it doesn’t get you into the mood to move.

Since U Been Gone:Kelly Clarkson

Admittedly I am a little late to the party here but Kelly Clarkson is a fantastic singer and whoever picks her tunes for her—bravo!

All the Small Things: blink-182

Just about everyone in the room songs along when I play this in my classes and the video is sublime.

The Pretender:Foo Fighters

If you know me then you know that I need me some Foos on a regular basis.

Sunday Morning: k-os

K-os is a Canadian musician that needs to catch on here in the States. Anyhoo—this song is fun for running out of the saddle sprints.

Get Up:James Brown

A really complicated man (to say the least!) who was also incredibly talented, James Brown is his best and funkiest here.

Dancing With Myself: Billy Idol

My inner 80s kid still loves Billy Idol. LOVE!

Uptown Funk:Mark Ronson with Bruno Mars

Is there any better new song out there right now? It can’t be possible. And if Uptown Funk doesn’t make you want to go dancing—then you have no soul.

Love Interruption: Jack White

My super weird crush on Jack White continues at a feverish pace…

Heavy Metal Drummer:Wilco

Wilco is always on my iPod and this is my favorite song by them.

Starships:Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj is a bit of an individualist and this is her anthem to those of us who like to outside the mainstream.

The Perfect Life:Moby with Wayne Coyne

This is one of those long “majestic” climb tunes that helps to end the road on a high note.

Today I am featuring my new favorite playlist which features a nice mix of old favorites and maybe a few new (to you) ones as well. Hope they inspire you on your next workout!!

Best Look Lately: Dear Rouge

OMG—new favorite song in the world! Dear Rouge is a Canadian duo that won a bunch of songwriting contest in the last couple of years and I think they will soon gain popularity in the States. (And my little Blog gave them their start!)

Ch Check it Out:Beastie Boys

Representin’ Brooklyn!!!

Get the Party Started: P!nk

This was written by Linda Perry of 4 Non-Blondes—bet you didn’t know that!

You Should Be Dancing:Bee Gees

Not only is this one of my favorite songs of all time but it serves as the soundtrack for my all-time top dance sequence on film. (So much going on here…)

Are you ready for a new playlist? This time I wanted to return to a few songs that had previously been “retired” from my classes plus introduce a couple of tunes you may not have heard before. This is a 50-minute interval “ride” that you can use on your next run, bike ride or treadmill workout that will help keep you motivated to keep moving.

So let’s get started and as always—send me your favorite song suggestions!

All of Me (Tiësto’s Birthday Treatment):John Legend

This is one of those songs that I find myself singing along to every time it comes on the radio and grateful I work from home alone so no one can hear me as I couldn’t hold a note with a handle. Anyhoo, here is a pumped-up of version to get your workout started.

Leopard Print Pill Box Hat:Beck

I am a big Bob Dylan fan and this might be my favorite cover of a Dylan song to ever. (Okay—All Along the Watcher by Jimi Hendrix is a strong number two.)

Come & Get It: Selena Gomez

I pray she did not write this for Justin Bieber… that little creep.

Breathing Underwater:Metric

Yesterday two of my boot camp dudes complained this song made “no sense” because “you can’t breathe underwater.” (Sigh—try to inject some culture in people and they get so literal!)

The World I Know: Collective Soul

This is one of those songs that always reminds me of the mid-90s (Sigh, again.)

Hypnotize:The Notorious B.I.G.

Be sure to use the “clean” version if you are playing this in a class!!

Let Forever Be: The Chemical Brothers

Noel Gallagher of Oasis co-wrote this tune and sings the vocals which is why it is so awesome. “How does it feel like—to wake up in the sun? How does it feel like—to shine on everyone?” Love it!

Paralyzer:Finger Eleven

This song gets the whole room to work harder and sing along.

Left Hand Free: alt-J

This is a brand new song from an indie based in Leeds, England and it made stop and take notice the first time I heard it.

Came Back Haunted: Nine Inch Nails

Trent Reznor came back from a long absence writing movie soundtracks to resurrect the Nine Inch Nails last year and this is my favorite song from that album. Perfect for interval sprints.

Sirens:The Pack A.D.

This band is from Vancouver and they can rock out.

Ring of Fire:Social Distortion

This is an example of a song that I used to play weekly and then just had to stop as it was starting to get on my nerves which is just NOT okay. Glad to be able to enjoy it again and hope you do as well! (The live version in the video is super-fun.)

Free:Phish

Oh stop your complaining Phish haters—this is a FANTASTIC song and you freaking well know it!

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

This week’s playlist is a mixture of old and new styles of music for a 50-minute cardio workout that works well for indoor cycling, outdoor running and the elliptical. The pace is a mixture of easy resistance and a fast cadence to slower climbs requiring more muscle endurance.

Be sure to keep hydrated while you workout and as always—send me your favorite song suggestions!

Venture Highway (Deepsky’s Blizzard in L.A. Remix):America

I have used this song as a warm-up before and it always makes me feel happy. The mixture of dreamy orchestration mixed with the 70s hit makes me want to wear a poncho and stare at the stars at night.

Anything, Anything:Dramarama

OMG—I freaking love this song from the early 80s. The band broke up in 1994 but got back together after appearing in VH-1’s Bands Reunited.

Rumble and Sway: Jamie N Commons

This cute British boy is just 25 years old but rocks like an old blues artist.

Supersoaker:Kings of Leon

This song always makes me want to run faster and work harder. Perfect for sprints or running intervals.

Once in a Lifetime: Talking Heads

By far my favorite version of one of the best tunes of all freaking time!

Tongue Tied:Group Love

If you need something fun and poppy after a big mean climb.

I am One: Smashing Pumpkins

My inner 90s warrior chick luvs this band and this song in particular.

Blow Me One Last Kiss:P!nk

I think I have a problem when it comes to P!nk because if I do not hear her every single day—my world seems boring.

Tusk: Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac released a double album after their smash Rumors called Tusk and it contains exactly two decent songs on it. Can you guess the other one?

Bodysnatchers: Radiohead

This is a little gem from their In Rainbows CD you were allowed to pay whatever you wanted for it at the time.

Use Me (Live):Hootie & The Blowfish

Yes, I picked a Hootie song because this cover of Bill Withers’ hit kicks serious ass!

Love Runs Out:OneRepublic

Not sure why they do not have a space between “One” and “Republic” but I do like this tune.

That’s the Way:Led Zeppelin

The “Gods of Thunder” could write pretty ballads and this one always puts me in a good mood.

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.

Its midsummer when I type this and I am in the mood to listen to good tunes that motivate me to work out indoors (the “summuh” heat in New York City is off the charts!) So today I collected music that will take you through a 50-minunte interval workout for either the treadmill or elliptical that will keep you in the mood to move.

Be sure to keep hydrated while you workout and as always—send me your favorite song suggestions!

Good Feeling:Flo Rida

I was not too familiar with Flo Rida before so let me know tell you what I have learned about him. He’s 6’3”, grew up in Carol City, Florida, attempted college twice before deciding to make his rap dreams come true and is a WWE fan. You’re welcome!

Today’s playlist is a true interval ride with the pace & intensity changing every few minutes. It starts with a Philip Phillips song and ends with one of my favorite tunes in the whole wide world by Nelly Furtado. Hope it gets you motivated!

Raging Fire:Philip Phillips

I understand Phillip Phillips was on American Idol but I have never seen one episode of that show so to me he is just another singer who plays songs that make me say “hmmm—this might work for a warm-up tune.” And it certainly does work so there you go!

Are You Gonna Be My Girl:Jet

Do you remember the early iPod ads that used this song? Yeah—they were pretty cool.

I Gotta Feeling: The Black Eyed Peas

This one is just too damn catchy not to enjoy thoroughly.

Run-Around:Blues Traveler

I am old enough to admit I saw Blues Traveler live when this song came out and thought they would become huge stars. (Could still happen!)

Clocks: Coldplay

Some people really hate Coldplay and can’t hear one tune from them without making a face. I don’t care about those people.

Wake Up Call:Maroon 5

My favorite song by Maroon 5—it always puts me in a good mood!

Times Like These: Foo Fighters

If I added up the number of times I have paid to download the Foos….they just kick too much ass for their own good!

Fancy:Iggy Azalea

No idea at all why on earth this woman is so freaking popular right now but this is probably going to be the song of the summer because I hear it everywhere.

Firestarter: The Prodigy

I am also old enough to say I have seen The Prodigy live and they were amazing.

Natural One: Folk Implosion

The only reason the movie Kids meant anything to me was that they had this song on their soundtrack.

You Get What You Give:New Radicals

One of the best one-hit wonder tunes—ever.

I’m Like a Bird:Nelly Furtado

This is another case where I could have sworn she would become a huge star one day. Oh well—she will always have I’m Like a Bird.

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.